Electricity and Control June 2020

CONTROL SYSTEMS + AUTOMATION : PRODUCTS + SERVICES INDUSTRY 4.0 + IIOT : PRODUCTS + SERVICES

High-speed WRAP system for underground communication Becker Mining South Africa’s Electronics segment specialises in automation and communication systems designed to enhance productivity and improve safety in the mining sector. Becker Mining Systems has designed a dependable Wi-Fi system which is recognised by the mining sector globally for reliable, safe and efficient high- speed communication underground.

small form factor, and a weight of less than five kg, ensures easy installation and maintenance.” WRAP is designed to allow for a combination of communications’ backbones to be used to optimise the system. For example, fibre can be used for high-data throughput, and in working sections of a coal mine where activity is intense, Becker Mining specialists recommend a wireless mesh topology. WRAP is the primary component in the Becker Wi-Fi IS backbone. The internal layer 3 router contains the logic to route all network traffic to the correct interface card or to the correct fibre point. The route of network traffic is based on the rules configured into the router itself. Firewall rules can also be configured to control bandwidth usage of protocols and to provide security to the network. WRAP supports various configuration implementations – from traditional distributed antenna backbones, interconnected via a redundant fibre optic loop, to mixed configurations using redundant WDS (wireless distribution systems) and redundant fibre optic loops. All systems are designed to facilitate future upgrades if the need arises. Other systems available from Becker Mining South Africa include Smartsense environmental monitoring and leaky feeder systems, as well as Wi-Fi and underground tracking of personnel and vehicles. Fibre optic and digital radio networks, belt rip detection for overland conveyors and SCADA and Ethernet networks are also available. For more information contact Becker Mining South Africa.Tel: +27 (0)11 617 6300, email: info@za.becker-mining.com or visit: www.za.becker-mining.com

Andrew Trentelman, Senior General Manager, Electronics Division at Becker Mining South Africa, says, “The company has made a substantial investment in researching and testing underground Wi-Fi systems to overcome the problems associated with conventional Wi- Fi systems in arduous underground conditions. A critical feature of this advanced system is its intrinsically safe (IS) design, which enables safe use in harsh and potentially explosive mining conditions. Another important feature of Becker’s systems – each of which can be customised to exact requirements – is that each product can be installed as a stand-alone system, or can be deployed using a phased approach to minimise the initial capital outlay. “The Becker WRAP (Wireless Router Access Point) provides a high-speed backbone for wireless VoIP, seamless roaming of devices, advanced vehicular dispatch systems, process automation, as well as any device that can use a wireless, serial or fibre backbone. The system does not

The Becker WRAP (Wireless Router Access Point) is intrinsically safe and designed to ensure reliable and efficient Wi-Fi communication underground.

limit usage to a single technology but encompasses the migration and integration of many technologies. “It incorporates on board tag readers, reducing the equipment necessary in a full tagging and tracking solution. The IS WRAP unit’s

Custom cable creator for tailored cable solutions Mouser Electronics Inc., authorised global distributor with the newest semiconductors and electronic components, has introduced a new online Custom Cable Creator solution in collaboration with Molex. The Custom Cable Creator allows designers to develop cable solutions to meet their exact needs. It offers a broad range of options for customisation, enabling designers to create their own pinout and simplify cable management and routing. The Custom Cable Creator is suitable for many major industry applications, including home appliances, consumer goods, data computing, and medical applications. The Molex Custom Cable Creator allows designers to choose from a variety of customisable options, including connector families, wire gauges, circuit sizes, UL styles, and cable lengths. The intuitive online tool produces a tailor-made design within minutes, and customers can receive a concept drawing, 3D model, quote, and product sample within 48 hours. The proprietary pinout configurator offers the option to select individual connections and wire

colour, and designers can also customise the cable with assembly options including tape, woven braid, cable ties, or heat shrink tubing.

For more information contact Mouser Electronics. Visit: www.mouser.com

The new Custom Cable Creator allows designers to develop cable solutions to meet their exact needs.

6 Electricity + Control JUNE 2020